Birthright honors the Adelsons

Casino mogul Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson, were feted at a gala dinner Tuesday night that raised $2.6 million for birthright.

Sheldon Adelson, the chair of the Sands Corp. who has become the third wealthiest American from his casino town in Macao, China, has given and pledged some $60 million to birthright over the past year.

Both called the decision to give millions to birthright, which annually sends tens of thousands of young Jews to Israel on free 10-day trips, a “no-brainer.” Birthright israel has an $80 million annual budget.

Since announcing the formation of the Adelson Family Charitable Foundation late last year, Adelson has quickly become a major player on the Jewish philanthropic scene, giving $25 million to Yad Vashem. He also started a conservative newspaper in Israel.

Reports have speculated that the Adelson foundation eventually could give away up to $200 million annually to Jewish and Israeli causes.